The competition

The SkillWeld competition is designed to test your skills in the three main, manual fusion processes. During the competition you will be asked to complete four weld tests. All four of the test pieces are mandatory.

You will have enough material for one test piece in each of the four tests. You will have four hours to complete all four test pieces.

The test pieces will be judged after the competition has ended, and entrants will be informed of the results later that day.

The closing date for competition entries is 21st March 2017.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the SkillWeld competition which is brought to you by prime sponsor Air Products, generous industry support and the SkillWeld Committee.

The SkillWeld competition is aimed at technicians working and/or training in the welding industry at an advanced or higher level. Please note there is no age limit for SkillWeld competitor entry, however age restrictions do apply to competitors progressing into WorldSkills international competitions

To ensure that competitors are given the best opportunity to compete, not only at regional and national level, but also at international competitions, we have made some changes to the competition structure and it will now run as an annual competition.

SkillWeld is the UK’s premier welding competition, and has direct links to WorldSkills UK and WorldSkills International. As competitor numbers have been growing consistently over a number of years, the SkillWeld Committee has decided to introduce a passive stage to the competition structure. We feel this will give more trainee welders the opportunity to participate in the competition, raise the skill level of competitors attending semi-finals (previously called regional heats), assist with competitors’ progression and enhance the 'competition experience'.

The SkillWeld 2017 competition will be made up of the following stages:

Passive heats

All entrants will be asked to fabricate and weld a small fabrication test piece. The completed fabrication will be marked by their lecturer/trainer against a supplied marking sheet in accordance with WorldSkills UK criteria. There will be a time limit and all welds must be completed. The Passive Heats have three welding processes, TIG, MMA and MAG, all Low Carbon Steel. A straightforward welding job to encompass positional welding, penetration and appearance are important. All competitors wishing to compete at the Semi-Finals must participate in the SkillWeld 2017 Passive Heats. Those welders who perform best in the Passive Heats will be invited to take part in the SkillWeld 2017 Semi-Finals. Material for the Passive Heat is to be provided by your college or training facility.

The closing date for return of the passive heat marking sheets is
1st April 2017.

Semi-finals

There are seven regional centres in the UK mainland. Entry into the Semi-Finals will be by invitation only.

The Semi-Finals will use the four SkillWeld weld tests used previously.

No. 1 - Carbon Steel pipe MMA - HL045

No. 2 - Aluminium pipe to plate. A/C TIG - Horizontal Vertical (PB)

No. 3 - Stainless Steel, 3mm Fillet. DC TIG OVERHEAD (PD)

No. 4 - Carbon Steel 10mm. FILLET. MAG VERTICAL UP (PF)

Time is limited, tests are marked by SkillWeld judges, material is sponsored free issue from SkillWeld.

The top ten competitors from the SkillWeld Semi-Finals (held in February/March 2017) will be invited to take part in the SkillWeld National Final to be held at The Skills Show NEC Birmingham November 2017.

SKILLWELD 2017 final

SkillWeld National Final to be held at The Skills Show NEC Birmingham November 2017. Competitor entry to the Final will be by invitation only.

Test objects will include a Low Carbon Steel Fabrication involving multi-process and various joint configurations, a Stainless Steel Pipe Butt Joint (DC TIG) an Aluminium Fabrication with fully penetrated Butt Welds in varying positions, and two Butt Joints in Low Carbon Steel using two welding processes and subject to radiographic inspection.

Competitors taking part in the SkillWeld 2017 National Final may be invited to join those being developed for WorldSkills International competitions through WorldSkills and Find a Future there will be further time commitment and training in relation to this, which competitors and their employers need to be aware of.